23 Life Lessons Before I Turn 24

I found myself being quite self-reflective the last few days. It may stem from being alone overseas for the last few months. It may also be that in less than 2 weeks it will be my 24th birthday.

This birthday will also mark the first time that I will be without family to spend this time with.

This time gave me pause to think of some of the lessons that I have gained over these past 23 years and I wanted to share some of those with you.

1. Be Authentic

It is so easy to feel the need to blend into the crowd. Change who you are to imitate what society tells you to be. Stripping that sense of individuality and uniqueness from you. Stand firm against this, being authentic to who you are is what makes you special. People admire authenticity although it seems like the world is against it.

2. No One Knows What They Are Doing

Hopefully, like me, you don’t learn this until you are a bit older but everyone around you is trying to figure life out as they go. There is no special moment, age, or position in life where you automatically know the truth of all things and have it all together. There is something beautiful about this global cohabitation of souls who are just trying their best to make it day by day.